Market Places Through the Years

in Norfolk, Virginia


[Click on each image to see a larger view.]


[IMAGE: Watermelons aboard sailing ships]

Watermelons and cantaloupes were among the principal truck crops of Norfolk County. After local merchants were supplied, the produce was shipped to other markets on boats such as these. This view of the Norfolk waterfront was taken from a c1910 postcard.


[IMAGE: Market Square]

An 1883 artist's rendering of farmers' stalls set up at Market Square.


[IMAGE: Store Window Displaying Tip Top Milk Signs]

A case of Tip-Top milk from Morgan & Co. on Main Street was surely at the "tip-top" of every Norfolk kitty's grocery list. c1910 [VSL].


[IMAGE: Wreath Sellers.]

With fresh greenery at Christmas time and homegrown fruits and vegetables all summer long, these merchants from Princess Anne County were once a familiar sight on Monticello Avenue. 1958.


[IMAGE: Horsedrawn Bakery Wagon]

Reminiscent of the 19th century medicine show, the Davis Bakery wagon was an eye-catching sight as it carried its wares through the streets of Norfolk. c1910. [VSL]

[IMAGE: Pender's Market Exterior] [IMAGE: Pender's Market Interior]
Pender's Department Grocery on Market Street, c1915. If you couldn't buy it here, you probably didn't need it anyway. [VSL]

[IMAGE: Anderson, Bagley & Co.]

Many commission merchants and produce brokers were located at Roanoke Square. This picture, taken in 1893, shows the staff of Anderson, Bagley & Co. with some of their wares. Notice the fresh poultry hanging in the doorway.


[IMAGE: Commercial Place]

A view of activity on Commercial Place in 1865, as shoppers haggle for bargains with the vendors stationed there.


[IMAGE: Sansone Fruit Company]

The Sansone Fruit Company was on E. Main Street for many years. In 1912, the shopper might purchase grapes here for $.10 a box, pears for $.25 a basket and bananas for as little as $.75 a bunch. [VSL]


[IMAGE: Tennessee & Kentucky Distilling Co.]

The Tennessee & Kentucky Distilling Co., a colorful forerunner of Virginia's "ABC" stores, was at #94 Commercial Place when this picture was taken in 1915. [VSL]


[IMAGE: Williams Seed Co.]

For the farmer or for the self-sufficient householder, Williams Seed Co. on Commercial Place provided everything necessary for growing dinner from scratch. 1912. [VSL]

[IMAGE: Bessie's Place Exterior View] [IMAGE: Bessie's Place Interior View]
Exterior and interior views of the farm market at Bessie's Place, 1983.

[IMAGE: Norfolk City Market Interior] [IMAGE: Norfolk City Market Exterior]
Exterior and interior views of the Norfolk City Market, which occupied a spot on Monticello Avenue for more than 30 years. Carved above the entrance was the motto: "That pure food may be kept in the best manner and sold at a fair price." 1934.

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